The Water Cycle and Ocean Currents

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The movement of water on, above, or below the surface of the Earth.

Front

Which source of freshwater is not easily available for human use?

Back

Icecaps/glaciers.

Front

What happens to water during condensation?

Back

Water loses thermal energy.

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Differences in density, temperature, and salinity.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

The concentration of salt in water.

Front

How does an increase in ocean salinity affect water?

Back

The water gains salt and sinks.

Front

What are the three phases of water?

Back

Solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor).

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process where water changes from liquid to gas.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What role do glaciers play in the water cycle?

Back

They store freshwater and release it through melting.